Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
Welcome to Automotive Repair news today. I'm your host, Braxton Critcher. Appreciate you listening. Gonna bring you the latest headlines from around the automotive industry. Let's dive right in. First up, there have been some major developments in automotive regulations in September of 2020. Nearly four years ago, California Governor Gavin Newsom mandated that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state be zero emission by 2020 2035. This move, part of the advanced Clean Cars regulations, has been adopted by twelve states, including New York and New Jersey.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:40]:
However, the specialty equipment Market association has pushed back. On August 7, CEMA filed a brief with the US Supreme Court arguing that these regulations could negatively impact their industry by limiting the market for internal combustion engine parts. More news to come on this with the Supreme Court. In corporate news, advance auto parts is making some headlines after the sale of Worldpac, their automotive parts wholesale distribution company. They sold it to Carlisle for $1.5 billion in cash, and the deal is expected to close by year end. It'll provide advanced auto parts with more financial flexibility and allow for the company to focus on its core business. Carlisle, with a strong track record in industrial carve outs, is set to support worldpacitive as an independent entity. Worldpac, which generated 2.1 billion in revenue last year, will bring significant value to Carlyle's portfolio.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:42]:
Another big acquisition this week, BBB Industries has finalized its purchase of all Star auto parts. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but BBB Industries aims to enhance its offerings in the US collision repair market with all stars manufactured OEM and aftermarket lights and wheels. BBB CEO Duncan Gills expressed excitement about the strengthening of their electronics lineup and expanding their customer options. Allstars CEO Andrew Sexton highlighted their shared commitment to quality and growth potential through this partnership. Kevin Robinson is the new general manager for shopware after Carolyn Coquillette stepped down recently. So what's next for the popular software? Kevin gives a forecast.

Cavan Robinson [00:02:32]:
And the biggest thing is just how do we cover all the thought leadership that Carolyn brought to the market, right. As a shop owner, she was so good at it. So we're going to do our best to try and cover that, but ultimately we're going to keep it about our people because they're probably the linchpin on which the success of the company is built on, and they've been so great through this entire process.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:52]:
Now, turning to advocacy, the Auto Care association is rallying support for the Repair act. The campaign urges members and the broader auto care community to take immediate action by sending letters to legislators supporting the bill. It's called the Repair act. Participants are encouraged to spread the word by sharing their actions on social media with the hashtag righttorepair and tagging three others to join the cause. This effort aims to ensure consumers and independent repair shops can maintain and repair vehicles without relying on costly manufacturer channels. News Ford and Mazda have issued urgent do not drive warnings. Over 450,000 vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags have been flagged, including models from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda. Owners are advised to not drive these vehicles until the defective airbags are replaced.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:53]:
Fords warning covers 374,000 vehicles from model years 2004 through 2014. This recall underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of Takata airbags. In a heartwarming story this week, a Tampa Bay veteran received a life changing gift in a vehicle. Norval Coleman, a US army veteran who has been supporting fellow veterans himself, was presented with a refurbished 2016 Chevrolet Impala through the National Auto Body Council's recycled Rides program. This donation, made possible by Allstate and Sun Toyota Collision center, will help Coleman overcome transportation challenges and continue his volunteer work. The NABC recycled Rides program has donated over 3300 vehicles since 2007. In legal news, Colette Pollan has been sentenced for insurance fraud. The 63 year old from Aurora was sentenced to 20 years of probation and ordered to pay $268,500 $530 in restitution for a scheme involving fraudulent auto insurance claims.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:09]:
Palan, a former claims adjuster, issued 64 fraudulent payments between 2018 and 2020. She'll undergo treatment for a gambling addiction and must complete 48 hours of community service. The ASTa Expo is coming up September 26 through the 28th, and if you're thinking about going to your first ever industry training event, it can be a little overwhelming. And you may think, is it worth the cost upfront or worth the cost to close my shop for a few days? Mike Allen shares his thoughts.

Mike Allen [00:05:44]:
We are all creatures of ego, but if you can go to an event and find one thing or two things that you can implement on Monday, when you get back to the shop, it pays for the event.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:54]:
Want to register for ASTA? The event is coming up soon, and spots are filling up. Learn more via the link in the show notes. Looking ahead for more future industry events the Tire industry association is gearing up for its 70th annual off the road tire conference. It's coming up February 19 through the 22nd in Puerto Rico, and the conference is now open for early bird. Registration rates are $610 for TIA members and 1100 for non members. This event offers industry professionals a chance to network and engage in a premier conference at a tropical island, Puerto Rico. And finally, Rivian faces a setback. Over 50 Rivian vehicles awaiting delivery at the automakers Normal, Illinois, plant caught fire last Saturday night.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:46]:
Approximately 57 models were damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it was extinguished without affecting the plant itself and no injuries were reported. That wraps up the top stories from around the automotive repair industry. But if you have news or tips or stories that you'd like to share, email me@braxtontomotiverepairnews.com. that's Braxton AutomotiverepairNews.com. thanks for listening. Hey, if you're still here, thank you so much for listening to this episode of Automotive Repair news today. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:28]:
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